Scripture References

If you are interested in any of the following subjects, please send me an email.  I can give you a quick scripture reference.  These are really good:

abortion, abuse, adoption, adultery, aging, alcohol abuse, anger, anxiety, apparel, birth control, bitterness, broken heart, career, care of elderly parents/in-laws, co-dependency, communication, confession, contentment, courtship, dating, death, depression, discipleship, disciplining children, divorce, drug abuse, eating disorders, empty nest, faith, fantasizing, fear, finances, flirtation, forgiveness, friendship, God's will, gossip, grief, guilt, health, hospitality, illness, infertility, insomnia, internet, laziness, lesbian, loneliness, lust, lying, marriage, materialism, menopause, mentoring, miscarriage, mothering, movies, occult, organization, orphan, past memories, plan of salavation, premenstrual syndrome, prodigal children, prostitution, psychics, quiet time, rape, reading material, repentance, role of the woman, Satan, self-worth, sex life, sexual purity, singleness, sleeplessness, speech, spiritual gifts, stillbirth, submission, suffering, television, temptation, time management, training children, trials, trust, unsaved spouse, vanity, widows, working outside the home, worry

(edited: sticky)

ABORTION:

Preventing an abortion

1. God is actively and personally involved in the unborn’s life, down to planning each day of his/her life.  Psalm 139:13-16
2. Birth is not the origin of life; it is the arrival.  Psalm 139:16
3. Following what self wants, rather than what God wants, leads to future problems.  Proverbs 14:12, Proverbs 12:15, Proverbs 16:2, Colossians 1:9-10, Philippians 1:9-10
4. Our actions are not hidden from God.  Hebrews 4:13
5. Self may desire to get out of a pregnancy, but that is not what God desires.  Choosing God’s way, no matter how difficult, leads to life and peace.  Romans 8:5-6
6. Children are a reward – a gift from God – no matter how their conception began.  Psalm 127:3-4
7. Our bodies are not ours – they belong to God.  II Corinthians 6:16, 19, I Corinthians 3:16, Romans 12:1-2

After an Abortion (see also forgiveness)

1. When forgiveness is requested, it is granted without reservation.  Psalm 32:3-5
2. God can take our broken spirit and produce joy.  Psalm 51:10-17
3. God offers restoration.  Psalm 40:1-3
4. God understands the women of Israel weeping for children they would never see again – He understands sorrow for loss of children.  Jeremiah 31:15, Matthew 2:17-18
5. As those in Israel’s captivity were not to dwell on the awfulness of the captivity, so we are also not to dwell on the past once it is forgiven.  Isaiah 43:18-19
6. God is the only one who can save us from our sorrow.  Psalm 18:1-6, Isaiah 25:8

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DEPRESSION:

1. Depression is a hevy burden and feels insurmountable.  Proverbs 18:14; Psalm 69:1-2
2. Is sin involved in this depression?  Cain was depressed because of sin in his life.  Genesis 4:6-7
3. When sin is the cause of depression, step one is confession to God as David did after his sin.  Psalm 51:1-18; Psalm 32:3-8
4. God is the answer toa life in despair.  Psalm 43:5; Psalm 46:1; I Corinthians 4:16
5. God understands despair.  Palm 18:28; Psalm 38:9; Job 23:10
6. There is hope in God.  Psalm 16:8; Hebrews 12:2; Ephesians 1:17-19

NOTE:  It would be beneficial to see a physician to eliminate the possibility of physiological causes.

SINGLENESS

1. Singleness - the gift of living undivided before the Lord.  I Corinthians 7:25-35; Matthew 19:11-12

Contentment in singleness

1. God's personal interest.  Isaiah 41:9-10; Jeremiah 29:11
2. Cod's commitment.  Isaiah 54:5; Isaiah 40:31; Romans 8:38-39
3. Contentment with self.  Psalm 139:13-14; I Peter 3:3-4; Philippians 4:12-13
4. Contentment with intimacy with God.  Psalm 17:15; Psalm 46:10; Psalm 103:2-5; Psalm 4:8; II Corinthians 12:9; Psalm 62:5-8; Psalm 84:11; Jeremiah 31:3

DATING/COURTSHIP:

In biblical times obtaining a mate involved parental arranging for a marriage or wives obtained by purchase or reward.

Today customs involve the young adult in the decision.

Considerations:

1. Yielding to God's will as part of the decision.  Psalm 37:3-4; Ecclesiastes 12:1
2. It is good to have parental involvement and support in this area as well as others.  Proverbs 6:20-25; Proverbs 1:8-9; Proverbs 5:1-2
3. Dating/courtship for marriage should only be with another believer.  II Corinthians 6:14
4. Standards and guidelines need to be in place with an understanding of sexual purity.  Job 31:1; I Timothy 4:12; II Timothy 2:22; I Thessalonians 4:3-4

SEXUAL PURITY

1. Sexual immorality is sinful and needs to be avoided.  Romans 13:14; James 1::21; I Thessalonians 4:3-6; Galatians 5:19-21
2. Our bodies belong to God and need to be pure.  I Corinthians 6:19-20
3. Do not even get close to sexual impurity.  Ephesians 5:3; Proverbs 6:27
4. Be totally pure.  Leviticus 19:2; I Peter 1:16; James 1:27
5. Do not submit to pressure sexually or in any other area.  Isaiah 51:7
6. Each individual has a choice to stay pure.  I Peter 2:11; James 1:14
7. Guard purity of the mind as well as the body.  Matthew 5:28; Job 31:1
8. Protecting purity in marriage begins long before the marriage.  Hebrews 13:4
9. Avoid immorality by pursing what is pure.  II Timothy 2:22; Colossians 3:5-10; Romans 8:5-6
10. Be determined and committed to stand strong with God's help.  Isaiah 50:7
11. For further reference see Proverbs, especially chapters 4,5,7,9

MARRIAGE:

1. Marriage originated as a part of God's design for humankind.       ; Genesis 2:18, 22-25
2. Marriage is an honorable union.  Hebrews 13:4
3. Believers should only marry other believers.  II Corinthians 6:14
4. Marriage is a permanent covenant for life.  Mark 10:7-9; Matthew 19:6; Malachi 2:14
5. Marriage operates best when God's blueprint is followed.              &nb sp;           I Corinthians 7

• Husband - loving leader.  Colossians 3:19; Proverbs 18:22; I Corinthians 7:2; Ephesians 5:25-33
• Wife - respectful completer.  Colossians 3:18; Ephesians 5:22-23; Proverbs 14:1; Proverbs 12:4; Proverbs 19:13-14; Proverbs 25:23; Proverbs 21:9,19; Proverbs 27:15-16

SEX LIFE:

1. Sexual intimacy in marriage is God's design.  Creation as male and female was his plan.  Genesis 2:24; Genesis 1:27
2. The husband is responsible to satisfy the wife sexually, and the wife is responsible to satisfy her husband.  I Corinthians 7:3
3. Sexual intimacy needs to be constant in marriage, unless both agree to postpone for prayer.  I Corinthians 7:4; Philippians 2:3-4
4. Being deprived of sexual intimacy provides opportunity for temptation.  I Corinthians 7:5
5. Sexual relations need to be between a married couple alone.  Hebrews 13:4
6. Sexual activity is seen as beautiful and to be delighted in by the couple.  Proverbs 5:118-19; Genesis 26:8

Book of Song of Solomon (is excellent on love, sex and relationships) 

HOMOSEXUAL/LESBIAN:

1. Homosexual activity is sinful and sexually impure.  Romans 1:24-27; Jude 1:7; Leviticus 20:13; Leviticus 18:22; Romans 8:5-8; Galatians 5:19-21
2. While homosexual activity is sin and impure, it is possible with God's help to change.  I Corinthians 6:9-11; Romans 7:23-25; Romans 6:19; Galatians 5:16; I Peter 4:1-3
3. Moral choices must be made.  James 4:17; Psalm 141:4; Romans 12:1-2; I Thessalonians 4:1-8

FLIRTATION:

1. Beware of those seductive words.  Proverbs 7:4-5, Ephesians 5:4, Proverbs 21:23, Proverbs 6:23-25
2. Beware of being a beautiful woman without discretion. Proverbs 11:22
3. Biblical example of seductive woman.  Proverbs 7:10-27
4. Seductive women in the prophets’ time, faced God’s discipline.  Isaiah 3:16-17
5. Positive biblical example.  I Peter 3:3-6

DIVORCE:

1. God created marriage to be lasting.  Matthew 19:6; I Corinthians 7:39
2. God's choice is not divorce.  Malachi 2:15-16; I Corinthians 7:10-11; Luke 16:18
3. God permitted divorce because of the hardness of Israel's heart.  Matthew 19:3-8; Mark 10:3-5
4. God permits divorce because of unfaithfulness.  Matthew 5:31-32
5. Because a mate is not a beliver isnot a reason for divorce.  I Corinthians 7:12-17

ADULTERY:

1. Adultery is being sexually involved with someone outside the bonds of marriage.  Proverbs 5:20
2. Lustful thinking – imagining what it would be like –is mental and emotional adultery – sin.  Matthew 5:28
3. You must not take what belongs to another – another’s mate.  Exodus 20:15, 17, I Thessalonians 4:6
4. God commands: No adultery – it is his law.  Exodus 20:14
5. Adultery, like all sin, separates us from God.  Only Jesus Christ offers us release.  I Corinthians 6:9-11
6. Adultery is caused when a person’s inner compass is not focused on God.  Matthew 15:19
7. Adultery is stopped by changing our mental view and seeing it from God’s view.  Romans 8:5-6, Romans 12:1-2
8. God’s wisdom – his word – can save from adultery.  Proverbs 2:16-18
9. Adultery always has great consequences leading to destruction.  Proverbs 6:27-29,32, Proverbs 5:20-23
10. An individual has no right to separate what God has placed together.  Mark 10:8-9
11. Steps for preventing adultery.  I Corinthians 7:3-5, I Thessalonians 4:3-5
12. Sex with your own spouse is to be desired and enjoyed; it is recreational.  Proverbs 5:15-19  (see also the Book of Song of Solomon)

WIDOWS:

1. As seen consistently throughout Scripture, God has a loving convern for the care of widows.  Psalm 68:5; James 1:27; Zechariah 7:10; Exodus 22:22-24; Deuteronomy 10:18; Jeremiah 22:3
2. A widow can trust God for he care.  Jeremiah 49:11; Jeremiah 29:13; Isiah 46:4; Psalm 146:9; Proverbs 15:25

Biblical Examples of widows:

Naomi - Book of Ruth

Widow of Zarephath - I Kings 17

Widow with two mites - Mark 12:41-44

Widow of Nain - Luke 7:11-15

FORGIVENESS:

1. God offers forgiveness for any sin.  Isaiah 43:25; Psalm 103:12; Lamentations 3:22, Daniel 9:9; Romans 8:1-2; Psalm 130:3-4; Colossians 1:13; Isaiah 44:22; Isaiah 38:17; Micah 7:18-19
2. Seeking forgivenss.  Psalm 38:18; Psalm 51:7; Isaiah 55:6-7; Psalm 32:5
3. Repentance and confession.  I John 1:9; Psalm 66:18; Ephesians 4:22-24
4. Forgiveness and restoration.  II Corinthians 5:17
5. Forgiving Others.  Colossians 3:13; Matthew 6:9-15; Ephesians 4:32; Matthew 5:23-24; Luke 23:34

NOTE:  No place in Scripture does it mention we are to "forgive" ourselves.

ABUSE:

Help for the Abused

1. God is our refuge.  Psalm 17:8-9; Isaiah 25:4; Jeremiah 17:17
2. The Lord Jesus, himself, was to experience great abuse.  Isaiah 53:5-6
3. When we feel shame, God is there, and we can call on him.  Psalm 142:1-7
4. Although we do not know when or how God will rescue, in some way he will provide the strength.  Psalm 72:12; Psalm 107:19-20; Psalm 144:7
5. David prayed for safety from evil men - we can do the same.  Psalm 140:1-13
6. Do not allow past fears to control present life - when there is nothing we can do to correct the past we must trust it to God;s future care.  Isaiah 43:18-19; Philippians 3:13; Matthew 10:26

Comfort for the Abused

1. Our God who is sovereign over our past can help us today.  Psalm 103:3-11
2. Although the Thessalonian Christians were suffering, they had joy in spite of suffering and were examples as believers.  I Thessalonians 1:6-7
3. We can always talk to God about the problem. Hebrews 4:16
4. God is sufficient to give us strength through trials.  II Corinthians 12:9-10

SELF-WORTH:

1. God’s view of our worth.  John 3:16, Romans 8:28-29
2. Biblical example of struggle with self-worth.  Job 9:21
3. We find our significance not in ourselves, but in our relationship to God.  James 4:10, Micah 6:8
4. Knowing God is what makes life meaningful.  Ephesians 1:17-19, Ephesians 3:14-20, Philippians 3:8-10, Jeremiah 9:23-24
5. We are not to fall into a trap of relying on self.  II Corinthians 1:8-9
6. Be careful not to allow pride to enter into a view of self.  Psalm 10:4, Isaiah 2:11-12, II Corinthians 10:12

CO-DEPENDENCY:

1. Our ultimate dependency needs to be on God alone.  Psalm 62:7-8; Jeremiah 17:5; Psalm 20:7-8; Zechariah 4:6  We have access to God - Hebrews 4:16  God does not change - Malachi 3:6a
2. The Israelites met failure by depending on self; we should not depend on self.  Hosea 10:13
3. Depending on self is foolish.  Proverbs 28:26; II Corinthians 1:9
4. A positive goal is not to be dependent on others in an unhealthy way.  I Thessalonians 4:11-12
5. The biblical view is a healthy interdependence between husband and wife.  I Corinthians 11:11
6. The biblical view is a healthy balance between trusting and doing  Nehemiah's Example:  Nehemiah 4:8-9

INTERNET/MOVIES/READING MATERIAL/TELEVISION:

1. Do not follow the world’s standards – reject what is unseemly or immoral.  III John 1:11, Psalm 101:3, Galatians 5:19-21, Ephesians 5:4, Colossians 2:8, Romans 8:5-6, Isaiah 5:20
2. Actively pursue what is right.  Colossians 3:1-4, Colossians 2:6, Philippians 4:8, Romans 12:1-2

SUFFERING/TRIALS:

1. Trials are to be expected and remind us of the suffering Christ endured.  I Peter 4:12-13, Romans 8:18-23, John 16:33
2. A purpose of trials is to strengthen our faith.  I Peter 1:6-7, Job 23:9-11
3. Commands to obey when facing trials. James 5:13, James 1:2, II Timothy 2:3
4. Always remember God is sovereign in trials.  Jeremiah 10:23, Isaiah 43:1-2, Psalm 23:4
5. God’s strength in trials in the solution to strengthening others.  II Corinthians 1:3-4
6. A result of enduring trials is God’s reward.  James 1:12, II Corinthians 4:16-18 

EATING DISORDERS:

1. Our trust, success, and security is not in our bodies, but in God.  Jeremiah 17:5-7; Zechariah 4:6; Philippians 3:7-9
2. Taking control of what belongs to God is sin.  Focusing on self is idolatry.  Colossians 3:5; Psalm 103:2-3, 1-13, I John 1:8-9
3. The body belongs to God.  I Corinthians 3:16-17; I Corinthians 6:19-20
4. By an act of the will we are to give our bodies back to God.  Romans 12:1-2
5. Changing thinking is crucial.  Isaiah 55:8-9; Philippians 4:8-9
6. Pray before eating and give thanks, for what God has created is good.  I Timothy 4:4-5; I Timothy 6:17; Ephesians 5:29

It would be beneficial to seek a physician.

BROKEN HEART:

1. Those who have a broken heart are dear to God's heart.  Psalm 34:18; Psalm 147:3
2. God can make sense out of the senseless.  Jeremiah 33:3
3. For whatever reason there is a broken heart, God in his sovereignty comforts us, and then teaches us how to help those who are hurting.  II Corinthians 1:3-4
4. A broken heart can draw one close to God.  Psalm 51:17; John 14:1

PLAN OF SALVATION:

1. Each person is separated from God because of sin and sinful behavior.  Romans 3:23; Isiah 53:6
2. Sin must be punished - separation from God, hell.  Romans 6:23
3. There is nothing a person can do to gain status with God or to earn merit toward salvation.  Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5, Isaiah 64:6
4. Recognizing this dilemma, God had in place from creation a way for an individual to have a personal relationship with himself.  The way was through the death of his son, Jesus Christ.  Romans 5:8; John 3:16; Romans 10:9
5. Each person must repent of their sin and personally believe (i.e. trust) in Jesus Christ as the only way to receive God's forgiveness to gain entrance into heaven.  John 1:12; John 3:36; Luke 15:7,10
6. Salvation is assured.  I John 5:13; John 5:24

DEATH/GRIEF:

Fear of Death

1. Death does not separate us from Gof and his love.  Psalm 23:4; Psalm 116:15; Romans 8:38-39
2. Death for the believer means being in the presence of Christ.  Philippians 1:21-23; I Corinthians 5:6-8
3. Death for a believer means receiving a new and glorious body.  Philippians 3:21; I Corinthians 15:52; I John 3:2
4. Jesus' death gives ultimate freedom from fear.  Hebrews 2:9-15
5. God's strength is always available.  Deuteronomy 31:6; Isiah 26:3; Isaiah 41:10; Lamentations 3:21-24

Loss by Death

1. David expresses his grief to God.  Psalm 31:9-10
2. God cares for and understand the broken heart.  Psalm 147:3; John 14:1
3. There is hope for the future after death.  I Corinthians 15:51-52
4. God can restore joy.  Isaiah 51:11

ANXIETY/WORRY:

1. The result of anxiety.  Proverbs 12:25
2. Proper response to anxiety.  I Peter 5:7; Philippians 4:6-7; Isaiah 41:10,13
3. Anxiety is often fear of what "might be" rather than focus on what is real or true.  Concentrate on what is true and positive.  Philippians 4:8
4. The bottom line is believing God is sufficient.  II Corinthians 12:9-10
5. Do we believe God is sovereign? Our days are planned for our best.  Trust puts anxiety to rest.  Psalm 139:16; Isiah 44:6; Isaiah 45:5-7
6. God can use anything for his ultimate plan.  God wastes nothing.  Romans 8:28
7. Anxiety for the future is cared for in God's ultimate plan.  John 14:1-3; Isaiah 206:3-4; Matthew 6:33-34

ANGER:

Becoming Angry

Righteous Anger/Indignation

1. God himself expresses righteous anger against sin.  Exodus 32:10; Ezekiel 23:25; Jeremiah 6:11
2. Jesus expressed righteous anger.  Mark 11:15 (In the temple); Matthew 21:12-13 (In the Temple); Mark 3:5
3. The believer can also express righteous anger.  Ephesians 4:26

Unrighteous Anger

1. Anger is included in a list of disgusting sins.  Galatians 5:19-21; Proverbs 29:22
2. No option - anger has to be removed.  Colossains 3:8; Ephesians 4:31-32
3. Anger is loss of control.  Proverbs 29:11; Jonah 4:4,9
4. Avoiding anger requires proceeding slowly, not reacting.  Proverbs 14:17; Proverbs 20:3
5. Listen more, talk less, slow down anger.  James 1:19-20

Responding to anger

1. The practice of answering gently will for the most part reduce the chance of anger.  Proverbs 15:1
2. Do not respond to anger with anger.  Romans 12:19; Proverbs 20:22
3. If anger is expressed it must be taken care that day between individuals and God, or at the very least a conscious plan must be made that day for resolution.  Ephesians 4:26; Psalm 4:4
4. Patience - the contrast to anger.  Proverbs 14:29; Proverbs 15:18; Proverbs 16:32
5. Look out for anger in choosing friends or a mate.  Proverbs 19:19; Proverbs 22:24

ADOPTION:

1. Esther, raised by her cousings, was instrumental in saving the Jewish nation.  Esther 2:15; Esther 4:14
2. God looks favorably on those who care for orphans.  James 1:27
3. God adopts us into his family at salvation.  Galatians 4:7; Romans 8:23; Ephesians 1:5
4. Whether with a biological family or adopted family, God is intimately involved in that life.  Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 139:16

ORPHAN:

1. As human parents are not able to be a part of a life, our heavenly Father is certainly actively involved.  Psalm 27:10; II Corinthians 6:18; Isaiah 49:15-16; Isaiah 66:13; Jeremiah 31:3; Job 29:12
2. God has a concern for those without parents and many times instructs others to defend and care for them.  Psalm 82:3-4; Psalm 146:9; Psalm 10:14, 17-18
3. A personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the ultimate family relationship.  I John 3:1; Ephesians 1:4-6; John 3:16

CONTENTMENT:

1. Contentment is trusting God no matter what the circumstances.  Psalm 16:6; Exodus 33:14; Isaiah 26:3; Psalm 37:7,16; Psalm 118:24
2. Contentment in material possessions.  Hebrews 13:5; I Timothy 6:6-8; Proverbs 16:8; Proverbs 17:1; Ecclesiastes 2:24; Philippians 4:11-12

DISCIPLINING CHILDREN  (See also Training Children, Mothering)

1. God disciplines in love - parents should also discipline in love.  Hebrews 12:5-11; Proverbs 13:24; Psalm 103:13
2. Without discipline there cannot be successful maturity.  Proverbs 19:18; Proverbs 29:15; Proverbs 19:20; Proverbs 22:6; Proverbs 15:31-32
3. Parents are not to push children to frustration.  Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21
4. Physical punishment is acceptable but needs to be done in love and without extreme.  Proverbs 23:13-14; Proverbs 22:15

MOTHERING

1. Tender parenting is a frequent theme of Scripture.  Isaiah 40:11; Isaiah 49:15; Isaiah 66:13; I Thessalonians 2:7
2. Mothers are to be honored.  Exodus 20:12; Proverbs 23:22; Matthew 15:4; Ephesians 6:2
3. Qualities for mothers:

• Love of husbands and children, self-control, keepers of home, kind, submissive.  Titus 2:3-5
• Humble, gentle, patient, loving.   Ephesians 4:2
• Fruit of the Spirit.  Galatians 5:22-23
• Building up, kind, compassionate, forgiving.  Ephesians 4:29-32
• Sympathetic, loving, compassionate, humble.  I Peter 3:8-9

TRAINING CHILDREN

1. Children need training from early childhood.  Psalm 58:3; Genesis 8:21
2. It is the parent's responsibility to teach their children God's absolute standards.  2 Timothy 3:15; Deuteronomy 6:6-7,9; Isaiah 54:13; Psalm 34:11; Proverbs 1:8; Proverbs 6:20
3. God's Word is the basis for child training.  James 1:21-25; Psalm 1:1-3; Psalm 119:9-11; Psalm 119:105; Isaiah 5:20
4. Parents need to spend time training children.  Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4
5. Discipleship begins at home.  Deuteronomy 6:6-7
6. Do not cause discouragement.  Colossians 3:21; Ephesians 6:4
7. As parents are to be obedient to God, so children should be obedient to parents.  I Peter 1:13-16; Ephesians 6:1; Colossians 3:20

EMPTY NEST

1. The goal of raising children is to have them leave home as mature, God-fearing adults, ready to have their own homes.  Genesis 2:24;  Proverbs 17:6; Psalm 78:5-6; Joel 1:3
2. Use this time to focus on your mate.  Proverbs 21:19; Hebrews 7:3-5; Proverbs 5:18
3. Focus on ministry as time is more free.  Titus 2:3-5; Psalm 92:12-14
4. God provides for us as we age.  Isaiah 46:4; Psalm 55:22; Philippians 4:6-7